Get to Know Crave Fitness Holidays

Like the sound of Fiji for six days? How about with a group of fun people? With five-star accommodation? And personal trainers and pilate instructors to keep you fit while indulging in those dangerously good beach-side cocktails? Well, you need to book yourself in for a Crave Fitness Holiday stat. "With a luxurious Fijian backdrop creating the perfect environment for relaxation and a positive mindset, Crave Fitness Holidays are tailored to help you improve yourself by offering varied training sessions, education, motivation, pampering and luxurious accommodation – so that you can rest easy at the end of each day in paradise." We sat down with Courtney and Rhys, the duo behind Crave Fitness, who tell us, 'crave it your way.'

1. How did Crave Fitness come about, what enticed both of you to create an exotic exercise escape?

Rhys:I have always had an interest in the fitness industry from running and mentoring Personal Trainers in business to teaching advanced specializations in the industry and training personal clients to reach their health and fitness goals. It got to the point where I wanted to be in front of more people to educate and motivate them to live an active and healthy lifestyle. I had been thinking of the idea of a fitness retreat but didn’t know how to start the process. I then got talking to Courtney who had the direction but needed someone with the fitness side of things. It was a perfect fit to then start Crave Fitness Holidays.

Courtney:I’d been working on the business idea for a little while but had no experience in the fitness industry and needed some guidance from someone that was living and breathing it. I have known Rhys for over 10 years and decided to sign up for training with him, with a bit of a hidden agenda to see if he would be interested in retreats. We got talking during one of our first couple of sessions and turns out we both wanted to start the same idea! We shook on it then and there and the Crave Fitness Holidays dream was underway. Our different skills and backgrounds have complimented each other really well to build Crave Fitness Holidays up. It is awesome to be working with a friend on something we are both so passionate about.

2. What kind of fitness do you each specialise in? How can we organise sessions with you to kick our butt before we head over to Fiji?

Rhys:I am a firm believer in functional and engaging exercises that is going to make you enjoy working out, therefore, give you a greater commitment to adding fitness into your lifestyle and stop you from “YO-YOing” in your goals. Functional exercises not only make you recruit more muscles at the same time (59% more than fixed form machines) but it will challenge you to try doing different exercises than you normally would.

Courtney:I am a Pilates instructor, focusing on mat Pilates. I originally got into Pilates as a rehabilitation exercise for my own injuries, but once I started seeing the benefits first-hand I was hooked. With a focus on engaging your core and activating your smaller muscle groups, Pilates can work wonders for your general posture and also help improve muscle imbalances which will allow you to get more out of your other workouts as well.

3. What tips do you have for those struggling with consistency in working out?

Rhys:Find whatever it is you enjoy doing that moves your body. If you love surfing then go surfing, if you love going for walks then go out somewhere and walk while soaking up the view. The days have gone when “exercise” is all about running until you can't run anymore or slogging your body in the gym until you are being carried out to your car.

Courtney: Go and see Rhys! Seriously, though, if you’re in a position where you can get a trainer then I would highly recommend it – even if it is just for a couple of months to get you going. It will help you form some good habits, stay accountable, and to teach you the correct way to perform exercises. Once you start seeing the results the motivation to continue just keeps on growing.

4. What is the best part about starting up Crave Fitness Holidays?

Rhys:Doing what I love doing and having the dream job.

Courtney:Ditto. There are lots of little challenges that come with setting up a small business, but Crave Fitness Holidays really is the dream job so it is totally worth it. Rhys and I have some grand plans for Crave and it’s awesome to work with someone that is so motivated and driven. Plus, the people that we get to meet and help. They are the reason this all began in the first place and we have already met so many amazing people that inspire us to keep going.

5. What’s in your gym bag?

Rhys:Drink bottle, coins for coffee, plasters (you never know when you need them), fragrance.. don’t be that smelly guy in the gym. Headphones, an iPod from 9 years ago for when I want to reminisce on old songs, 17 blue pens (yes that is how many pens I have in the end pocket and I never remember I have one pen in my bag so I am forever asking someone for their pen).

Courtney:My life. I struggle to pack lightly, plus I usually go to the gym first thing and get ready for work from there. Headphones, work clothes, high heels, hair dryer and straightener (in case the gym ones are busy), jandals, two toilet bags full of products even though I only use about 3 of them, 7 hair ties, countless bobby pins, towels, three different bottles of perfume in case I feel like something different, and two bottles of hairspray.

6.What can we expect from a Crave Fiji experience?

Rhys: The most enjoyable balanced holiday with a group of new friends in a tropical destination.

Courtney: A mix of fitness and fun, new friends, and relaxation. Plus the fact that you’re on a white sandy beach, at a luxury resort, basking in the Fijian sun is pretty amazing. We believe in balance and choice, so we have a whole range of options that allow our guests to tailor a holiday specific to them, every day. It’s your holiday and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Crave it your way!

See the full itinerary for your next Fiji Fitness holiday here! Keep up with Courtney and Rhys on Instagram and Facebook. Warning: Holiday envy guaranteed.